In the early hours of January 1, 2026, a devastating fire tore through Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, turning what should have been a jubilant New Year’s celebration into one of the country’s worst tragedies in recent memory. The blaze claimed 40 lives, injured 119 people, and left a community—and indeed, much of Europe—reeling with grief and searching for answers.
Swiss authorities, after days of painstaking work, confirmed that all 40 victims have now been identified. The list is heartbreakingly young: many were teenagers and young adults, with victims as young as 14. Among those lost was Charlotte Niddam, a 15-year-old with British, Israeli, and French citizenship who had previously attended Immanuel College in Hertfordshire and the Jewish Free School in north-west London, according to BBC and Sky News. Charlotte had been working as a babysitter in Crans-Montana, embracing the freedom and excitement of youth in the Alps. Her family, in a statement on social media, wrote, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful daughter and sister, Charlotte. Details regarding the funeral arrangements will follow shortly. It is most likely on Thursday in Paris. Thank you for all your support those last few days.”
The outpouring of grief has been immense. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper posted, “Terrible news that Charlotte Niddam has been identified as one of those killed in the Crans-Montana fire. My thoughts are with all her family and friends after this devastating loss.” Swiss President Guy Parmelin called the incident “one of the worst tragedies” the country has ever endured, a sentiment echoed by mourners and officials alike.
Other victims include a diverse group of young people, each with their own story. The Swiss Boxing Federation paid tribute to Benjamin Johnson, a young boxer who, according to a social media post, “left us a hero, having come to the aid of his friend.” Italian teens Emanuele Galeppini, a promising golf player, and Chiara Costanzo were also named among the dead, as were Swiss 16-year-old Arthur Brodard and twin Italian-Jewish sisters Alicia and Diana Gunst, aged 15 and 14. The victims hailed from at least seven countries—Switzerland, France, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, Romania, and Turkey—reflecting the international spirit of the ski resort and its bar, which was popular among teenagers and young adults thanks to the local drinking age of 16.
On January 4, the community came together in a moving display of solidarity and mourning. Hundreds gathered at the Chapelle Saint-Christophe for a mass led by Bishop Jean-Marie Lovey, followed by a silent march up the hill to the site of the tragedy. Emergency service workers, survivors, and families of the victims walked together, laying flowers at a makeshift memorial outside the bar. The Rev. Gilles Cavin spoke at the mass, acknowledging the “terrible uncertainty” that had plagued families in the days following the fire. “We pray for their friends hard-hit by misery on this day that was meant to be one of festivities and friendship,” he said, according to ITV News.
The pain of loss was palpable. Laetitia Brodard, mother of Arthur, posted, “Our Arthur has now left to party in paradise. We can start our mourning, knowing that he is in peace and in the light.” Such sentiments were echoed by many parents and friends, struggling to come to terms with the sudden, senseless loss of so many young lives.
The fire itself broke out around 1:30 a.m., as revelers packed the basement bar to ring in the New Year. According to prosecutors and initial investigations reported by BBC and The Times, the likely cause was sparklers affixed to champagne bottles being carried too close to the ceiling. The flames quickly ignited acoustic foam on the ceiling, producing toxic smoke and spreading rapidly. Survivors described scenes of chaos and horror—some people struggled to escape through crowded exits, while others suffered severe burns. Eric Bonvin, director of the regional hospital in Sion, noted that most of the injured were teenagers and young adults, many of whom now face long months of recovery.
Questions about safety have come swiftly. Beatrice Pilloud, Valais canton’s lead prosecutor, stated that investigators are focusing on the materials used in the bar, the adequacy of fire safety measures, the venue’s capacity, and the number of people present at the time. The French couple who own the bar, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are under criminal investigation for manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. Police are also examining whether the acoustic foam complied with regulations and whether the sparklers were permitted for use in such a setting. A local bartender told Bild that the emergency exit at Le Constellation was “always locked,” raising further concerns about the safety protocols in place.
Swiss justice minister Beat Jans offered a public apology, saying, “It was an enormous tragedy. We’re all so sorry that this had to happen.” Authorities have also confirmed that 35 of the injured were transferred to specialist burns units outside Switzerland, as the scale of the disaster overwhelmed local resources. France’s Health Minister, Stephanie Rist, said 17 patients received care in France, with others sent to Germany, Italy, and Belgium.
The tragedy has left a deep scar. More than 2,000 people joined the silent march to the bar, and spontaneous applause broke out for firefighters who had battled the blaze and joined the mourners. The church service included readings in French, German, and Italian, reflecting the multilingual, multicultural fabric of the region. Survivors and families hugged, wept openly, and signed a book of condolence at the growing shrine outside the bar.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring accountability and, perhaps more importantly, on supporting the families and survivors as they begin the long process of healing. The memory of those lost—so full of plans, hope, and dreams, as President Parmelin put it—will undoubtedly linger in the hearts of many, long after the headlines fade.
